Date: 28-03-24  Time: 21:03 pm

Poll

If it was your money then which one ?

Saab
3 (60%)
Audi
2 (40%)

Total Members Voted: 5

Voting closed: 04 October 2018, 11:04:23 am

Author Topic: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated  (Read 5041 times)

Frosties

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Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« on: 27 September 2018, 11:04:23 am »
Hiya all,


Right then, i've always fancied a rag top and now seems to be the right time to buy. Trouble is I cant decide which one.


Any advice/experiences much appreciated or even just a poll tick.


This is right up Tommy's street but unlike Tomski the choices are not hair dressers coming out cars  :D .


Below is the links to both cars and any gay shouts are fully expected  :lol


Saab  https://www.surreymotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/saab-9-3-2-8-v6-aero-2dr-201809130463162


Audi  https://www.surreymotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/audi-a4-cabriolet-2-0-tfsi-s-line-cabriolet-2dr-crowthorne-201809050194743


I've used this dealer before for my manly car and they are top guys.


Cheers in advance
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BBROWN1664

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #1 on: 27 September 2018, 11:23:40 am »
I didn't realise you were a hairdresser :pokefun

Out of the two, I would go for the A4 but if the Saab was the 2.0t or 2.0T rather than the V6 it would be a more difficult choice. Parts for Saabs are still readily available though some are getting difficult to get new now. Specialists are gradually closing down too due to lack of vehicles left on the roads. Not a problem for Audis though.

The Saab 2.0t engine is 150HP with a low pressure turbo. The 2.0T is significantly more and bit of a nutter to drive. Both are more fuel efficient than the V6. My Mrs had a 2.0t for a few years before she got that yellow thing you saw. Not a bad car to drive. Hers was the manual but if you want serene, look out for an auto.

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #2 on: 27 September 2018, 12:39:28 pm »
I love the Saab having had a 2.0t many years ago, so would go for that purely from a nostalgic point of view.
You don't see too many on the roads either.


Also, I know you can't judge everyone by the car they drive, but from what I've seen when I'm out and about the British road and motorway network, most Audi drivers are complete w@nkers!!


Apologies to any good Foccers that drive Audis  :D
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BBROWN1664

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #3 on: 27 September 2018, 01:03:06 pm »
Apologies to any good Foccers that drive Audis  :D


I used to have an Automatic Saab 9000 2.0t that I finally sold with 240K miles on the clock. Great big barge of a car but once you updated the suspension, it was a great car to drive.
The Mrs had a Manual Saab 93 convertible 2.0t that was fun to drive.
I now have an Audi A6 estate which is fun to drive.


As mentioned above, I would go for the Audi out of the two listed by Frosties but the 2.0t Saab could sway the balance. The Saab is a nice car but on-going support is getting more and more limited for when things do go wrong. Standard consumables etc are not an issue as they are Vauxhall Vectra parts in the main. Its the other bits like the radio/engine management/etc/etc that will casue problems.

A little known issue with the Saab is the indicator "click" amongst other things, comes from the radio. The radio is made up of about 100 different parts spreadd around the car connected by fibre optic cable. One broken cable, bad connector, or failed unit can be an expensive job to locate let alone fix if part supply is limited. Its even worse when its an intermittent fault like myMrs had on hers. Fortunately, the radio was having a good day and was workign the day we PX'd the car :)
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Fazerider

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #4 on: 27 September 2018, 02:03:36 pm »
Mazda MX-5.   :D

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #5 on: 27 September 2018, 02:18:55 pm »
Citroën 2CV 😁

Frosties

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #6 on: 27 September 2018, 03:02:10 pm »
Mazda MX-5.   :D


Citroën 2CV 😁


 :lol :lol  No out n out fairy cars perrrlease


Agree with the Saab comments as had a full fat 900 Turbo 3 door kicking out 245 Bhp with front strut brace and poly bushed all round. Loved it and surprised many a car. The nostalgic look and non tosser driver perception is also agreed. Never had an Audi before though and am more looking to pose and take in the rag top experience more than thrashing it. Got the bikes for a buzz...


Keep 'em coming fellas, all good stuff
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F4celess

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #7 on: 27 September 2018, 04:19:24 pm »

Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Convertible.

Muscle car image. Plus not alot of people realise these have Mercedes Benz (SLK) engine and running gear, so infact very reliable.

NorthWestern

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #8 on: 27 September 2018, 07:21:21 pm »
Ford orion ghia cabriolet. Envy of the estate
Intentionally left blank

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #9 on: 27 September 2018, 08:02:57 pm »
Ferrari F355 convertible........or a Cevrolet Corvette C2/C3 convertible.


My first car was a MG Midget 1500 in 1977 - a convertible "sports" car. It was a pike of crap as a car, but I really loved it. Even though the roof leaked everywhere and was a pain to put down properly, the car felt wonderful to young single lad with the roof down - and defo helped with attracting the fairer sex  :) .

Frosties

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #10 on: 27 September 2018, 08:33:15 pm »
Ford orion ghia cabriolet. Envy of the estate


In it's day I longed for one but now.....NAHHHH! Tommy might have it though  :lol


May as well buy this cracker...


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1991-Honda-Beat-Convertible-MOT-No-Advisories-PRICE-REDUCED/123352131921?hash=item1cb85c2951:g:oIUAAOSwdMBa116G



My first car was a MG Midget 1500 in 1977 - a convertible "sports" car. It was a pike of crap as a car, but I really loved it. Even though the roof leaked everywhere and was a pain to put down properly, the car felt wonderful to young single lad with the roof down - and defo helped with attracting the fairer sex  :) .


A mate's neighbour had a red TR6 many years ago (about 25yr) and was selling it. I loved it but didn't want to spoil it by driving it when i didn't have the cash. I managed to get 1st dibs on it and was like a friggin machine hitting all the overtime and still going out 6 nights a week.
Managed to save the money, went round with my mate all cocky and full of it with a £4K wedge......smiling like an idiot I jumped in for a drive....and was fecked if I could fit in it (6ft 3"). No legroom and the seat dug into my back and rib cage. I was bloody close to tears especially when I found that I fitted into a bloody Spitfire  :groan
Those are my principles...if you don't like them I have others.

steve 10562cc

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #11 on: 27 September 2018, 08:41:27 pm »
All the toss*rs round here drive BMW's,  Audis, Merc convertibles and not many of them were born here   

Frosties

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #12 on: 27 September 2018, 09:03:58 pm »

Chrysler Crossfire Roadster Convertible.

Muscle car image. Plus not alot of people realise these have Mercedes Benz (SLK) engine and running gear, so infact very reliable.


Not a bad shout, good kick from the 3.2 but I want 4 seats.


All the toss*rs round here drive BMW's,  Audis, Merc convertibles and not many of them were born here   


This could be the main reason for me asking the question - Saab winning so far.

Those are my principles...if you don't like them I have others.

Skippernick

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #13 on: 27 September 2018, 09:11:58 pm »
We have a vw Eos, its a tin top. Had it a year now and can't fault it. Fancied something fun, but needed four seats for my two daughters. They love it.
Just an alternative.
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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #14 on: 27 September 2018, 11:06:24 pm »
We have a vw Eos, its a tin top. Had it a year now and can't fault it. Fancied something fun, but needed four seats for my two daughters. They love it.
Just an alternative.


Hmm, decent shout.....they've got one of those also


https://www.surreymotorcompany.co.uk/used-cars/volkswagen-eos-2-0-tsi-sport-cabriolet-2dr-crowthorne-201809030115185
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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #15 on: 27 September 2018, 11:36:23 pm »
never look down on anyone unless you're helping them up.

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #16 on: 28 September 2018, 07:35:44 am »
Citroën 2CV 😁


 definately


Non, niet, nein, nadda, nope and nahhhhhh! The effin shame of it  :eek
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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #17 on: 28 September 2018, 08:10:29 am »



Convertibles are great - if you are the outdoors type. Obviously many buy them thinking that they want one and then don't - evidenced by the number of roofs that are up on dry and hot days. As with all things there are ups and downs, some of the downs being:


- chassis not as stiff as equivalent roofed car. Not really an issue at legal speeds
- sitting in traffic is not so pleasant as exhaust fumes are direct to nasal passages
- roof not as secure when parked
- wind ruffled hair never feels clean (as I recall, not an issue for me these days!)
- music is compromised by wind noise
- constant niggling doubts that the weather will turn
- can be difficult to sell


The two that you have picked don't look too bad but neither are particularly stand out in today's traffic. To my eye the Saab looks like a moccasin slipper with the roof down, the Audi is prettier. For something a little more head turning and within your budget there's the E30, an example being:


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Bmw-E30-Convertible/302870568514?hash=item46847e1e42:g:bpUAAOSwh6VbjvD3


I used to play with E30s and there's a devoted cult following. Hard tops are available occasionally too making it an all year round car. E36 convertibles are cheaper still but not quite old enough to be past their 'council' tag yet if image bothers you.
is it clean enough?

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #18 on: 28 September 2018, 08:22:41 am »
I've driven 100,000 miles in both a Saab 9-3 2.0T and an Audi A3. Both non-convertible, but good faultless cars. The audi was genuinely exciting to drive. Saab was a bit more mundane and plush.
Something you never consider is... People pull out on you a lot more if you drive a saab, because they look less agressive and often driven by older people. Seriously it's noticeable! Merging treffic pushes in front of you and people edge out at junctions on you. My next car was an aggressive looking vauxhall and it was night and day.

I might lose all credibility here (if I have any left) but personally, I with that budget, I'd get an SLK. I think they turn more heads and look less dated.
-suck-squeeze-bang-blow-

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #19 on: 28 September 2018, 08:42:09 am »
As you need 4 seats, how about a CLK Mercedes, quite a few engine options and trim levels. Also plenty of independent Merc specialists for servicing etc.
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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #20 on: 28 September 2018, 09:03:50 am »
When my Mrs was looking for a rag top, we looked at several cars before settling on the Saab 93

Beetle - Like a Golf to drive but horrible inside unless you like the flowerpot on the dashboard
Mini - Just about enough space for 4 people despite its size. Good fun to drive even with the 1.6 non-turbo/supercharged engines
Eos - No space in the back really. You need the roof down to get adults in/out the back.
Audi A4 - Too expensive at the time though prices have levelled out now.
2CV - She had had 3 or 4 of these previously. All very expensive now or piles of rust
SLK - Only 2 seats

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #21 on: 28 September 2018, 09:37:14 am »
As you need 4 seats, how about a CLK Mercedes, quite a few engine options and trim levels. Also plenty of independent Merc specialists for servicing etc.


+1 for the CLK from a practicality and reliability point. Also, there are plenty about for not stupid money.


Some good friends bought one new in 2005 and still have it today - they love it and it's  been as reliable as a stone. It lives under a cover when it's not being driven, not in a garage, as its used as a "second" car - but it's still got over 70k miles on it.

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #22 on: 28 September 2018, 09:37:38 am »

Honda S2000.

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #23 on: 28 September 2018, 09:53:07 am »

Honda S2000.

2 seaters need not apply. :) However you cant get a much more capable 2 seater than the S2000. Some start to look a little dated now though.

Mercedes CLK (mentioned above) is a nice option. Turning into a classic status, plus lovely shape. Big/long vehicle however.
I was also thinking original Beetle convertible. However I imagine it would constantly be in the garage getting issues sorted (could be expensive to keep on the road). Plus not a great daily driver?

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Re: Can't decide which convertible - all advice appreciated
« Reply #24 on: 28 September 2018, 08:50:34 pm »
We have an aero 2.0 rag top.
Check the cd player works properly.
Rear subframe corrosion, handbrake issues, rag top fit and water repellantcy.
Ours is a thirsty beast and is quite heavy. 4k for a pre facelift model is a lot of money.